Written By komlim puldel on Minggu, 12 Januari 2014 | 23.08

Henrietta Eimann takes her own pool with her everywhere she goes - and when the mercury pushes to 47 degrees in Brewarrina, NSW, there's only one thing to do. Picture: Peter Lorimer.Source: News Limited

AUSTRALIA'S early-year heatwave is set to return this week, after subjecting Perth to its hottest night and morning on record and pushing emergency authorities to the limit.

Successive days over 40C in Perth were only broken by the hottest night on record in the West Australian capital, dipping to a low of 29.7C at just after 3am on Sunday.

That beat the previous record of 29.3C in 1962 - while Perth's 39C temperature at 9am was another record.

Bushfires were fought in suburbs of Perth on Saturday, and in the Perth hills on Sunday, and fire danger ratings were set to stay very high across south-eastern Australia for the rest of the week. Authorities are now warning of similarly extreme temperatures to come in Victoria, South Australia and NSW, as the slow-moving weather pattern allows the heat to continue to build.

HOT SPELL ABOUT TO HIT VICTORIA

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Peter Zmijewski said western parts of NSW would be the first to feel the heat from Monday. By Wednesday most districts west of the great divide will see hot to very hot conditions.

The Bureau of Meterology tracks the heatwave as it moves across the country today.Source: Supplied

A total fire ban remains in place for much of Western Australia after fires ravages the state over the weekend. Picture: Nicole PorterSource: Supplied

The temperatures will reach the low to mid 40s in southwest NSW, while the coastal areas will be spared.

"There will be quite a spell of hot weather for western Sydney," he said.

BOM forecasts temperatures to reach 37C in the western suburbs from Wednesday before a top of 39C for Saturday.

SA BRACING FOR A HEATWAVE

The extreme heatwave coming to South Australia will be a risk to public safety.

Nurses will increase their checks on vulnerable people in the community as temperatures reach 43C in Adelaide on Wednesday and Thursday.

The mercury could climb higher in inland areas.

Relief is on the way for Queensland bats whose colonies have been decimated by the state's heatwave.Tens of thousands of flying foxes are believed to have died as Tegan George reports

"Apart from the extreme coastal locations, you really could get a 45C-type maximum anywhere," Bureau of Meteorology senior forecaster Tom Boeck told AAP.

The State Emergency Service issued an extreme heat warning on Sunday and says hot weather conditions from Monday to Friday might be a risk to public safety.

TRAIN SERVICES CUT BACK TO COPE WITH HEATWAVE

South Australian Premier Jay Weatherill said people needed to revisit bushfire action plans and be prepared for an emergency. As the state sweltered, bushfires broke out all over WA, with the worst threatening homes in Parkerville in the Perth hills. An emergency warning was issued for people in the eastern part of Mundaring, with flames up to 20 metres high burning towards homes and the smoke visible more than five kilometres away.

This guy is onto a good thing: Perth readers sent in pictures showing various ways to beat the heatwave over the weekend.Source: Supplied

The start of the Australian Open tennis in Melbourne is likely to be greeted with soaring temperatures set to reach 34C on Monday, 41C on Tuesday, and remain close to 40C for the rest of the week. The scorching temperatures will arise as a pocket of very hot air, which subjected WA's Pilbara region to intense heat last week, begins to move east.

Last week Onslow suffered through two successive days over 48C, with Paraburdoo topping 40C by 9.30am on Friday.

The 30-year-old began his celebrations early, and was photographed swilling alcohol from the winner's trophy.

After partying all afternoon and evening, the winner later turned to sinner, striking trouble with police at East nightclub in Broadbeach at 1.25am.

According to police, Brown was charged with obstruct police after allegedly shoulder-charging an officer in the popular nightclub. After refusing to leave the premises, he was charged.

Former Gold Coast Suns player Campbell Brown photographed at the Magic Millions Guineas after his horse Sweet Idea was ridden to victory. Picture: Adam Head

Channel 9 racing commentator Anthony Mithen, 41, was also involved in the nightclub incident and charged with obstructing police.

It is not the first time Brown has made headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Reports say Campbell Brown will be sacked from AFL side Gold Coast Suns after punching teammate Steven May outside a nightclub in Los Angeles last week.

He was axed from the Suns last year after punching teammate Steven May outside a US nightclub following the club's pre-season camp in Arizona.

Brown was also removed from the Suns' leadership group in 2011 after being involved in a bar fight during the club's end-of-season trip to Thailand.

On the weekend, Brown and Mithen were arrested by Taskforce Takeback officers, who were out in force targeting public drunkness.

Acting chief superintendent Des Lacy said police would take action against anyone misbehaving, regardless of who they were.

"It doesn't matter who you are, you have to follow the law," he said.

Brown was given a notice to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on February 4.

It is believed Brown has a different version of events to police. Yesterday he told friends that he clashed with undercover police when they stopped him from going back inside the nightclub to get his wife and credit card.

AUSTRALIA'S new double-ended battering ram doesn't need much luck to bludgeon opponents, much less an England team on its knees.

So when Aaron Finch and David Warner hopped aboard the good fortune train at the MCG on Sunday night, it was lights out.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL SCOREBOARD, STATS, PITCH MAPS AND MORE IN OUR MATCH CENTRE.

Potentially Australia's most destructive opening pair since Matt Hayden and Adam Gilchrist, the duo survived a string of dropped chances - and a catch that was overturned on dubious video "evidence" - to set up a cruisy six-wicket win.

Amazingly, Finch became the first Victorian to hit a one-day international century at the MCG, carving 121 in just 128 balls a year and a day after his debut as Australia ran down England's 7-269 with 26 balls to spare.

For a moment England thought they had the prized wicket of David Warner, only for the 3rd umpire to step in at the last moment and judge the that the ball had bounced just before it reached Buttler's gloves.

Finch, who hadn't realised he'd achieved the Victorian landmark, said it was "nice to get a good start to a series, especially at your home ground".

"It's been a place that I've loved playing over the years," he said.

"I definitely (had fortune). The way the wicket was early, it swung around a little bit early and we had to really adapt to that.

"But in a game of one-day cricket you do need a bit of luck every now and again and it was nice that it went our way.

"It was nice that I was to go on and get a big score and contribute to a big partnership with Davey Warner to really set a nice platform for the win."

Finch said batting with Warner gave him confidence to play his shots from the start.

"Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't and today was our day.

"He takes the pressure off, and the confidence he's coming into this format of the game with is phenomenal.

After dropping Gary Ballance earlier in the over, spinner Xavier Doherty's celebration when he caught him with his second chance was a little over exuberant to say the least.

"I've known Davey for the best part of 15 years now and it never gets old when you bat with him."

Coach Darren Lehmann paid tribute to Finch's early rhythm.

"He was very good … Warner probably struggled a bit early and Aaron took him along the way - it was a great opening stand and (has) set us up for the series."

Only six times in 27 previous attempts had Australia successfully chased a target in excess of 250 at the MCG, but those mostly came when fielding restrictions more heavily favoured fielding teams.

Warner had been happy to walk on 22 when Jos Buttler claimed a catch off Ben Stokes and confirmed to the batsman the ball had carried.

But with Australia already in a winning position at 0-82, a long and, to most, inconclusive video review brought him back from the ropes to resume the onslaught that eventually netted them 163 - the record ODI opening stand by Australia against England before Warner fell for 65.

Finch, the king of domestic Twenty20 cricket for the past two summers, battled initially to take that cavalier style into the one-day international arena, averaging 15 in his first seven innings.

But in his 11 hits since a breakthrough century in September, he has averaged 48.18 with two half-centuries before last night's scene-stealer that featured 12 boundaries before he fell in the 40th over.

He, too, rode a generous dose of luck, dropped on eight by Gary Ballance at mid-off before, on 24, surviving an horrendously close call on review for an LBW appeal.

In the interim, the ball after hapless English captain Alastair Cook shifted Ian Bell from second slip, Finch edged one straight through the cordon on 20.

But when he settled into stride, there was no stopping the Victorian, whose ton came up in just 108 balls.

The unlucky bowler in the midst of most of England's slipshod fielding was second-gamer Chris Jordan.

The Sussex paceman, originally from Barbados, was super impressive and eventually got his reward when he cleaned up Shane Watson for a duck in his second spell.

But the damaged was done, with skipper Michael Clarke's 43 the forerunner to George Bailey (17*) and Glenn Maxwell (8*) seeing the Aussies home.

England, dubbed by some as the "Invertebrates" after their 5-0 Test series loss, were again outhustled and outfielded.

Their Ashes-burdened top order bungled again, with only Bell (41 off 56) offering resistance against a fired-up Clint McKay (3-44).

But with the ODI team's new chums came a new resolve as Gary Ballance and Eoin Morgan carved out an 83-run fourth-wicket stand to steady the ship after Cook (4) and Joe Root (3) left it listing badly.

The effervescent Morgan was particularly impressive; the innings noticeably gathering momentum not only with his crisp ball-striking, but also his urgency and alertness between wickets.

Morgan became a surprise victim of Glenn Maxwell as he attempted to cash in on the slower bowling.

That urgency was duly acted upon by Gary Balance (79), who impressed for his first half-century in any England colours in just his second ODI.

And in stark contrast to the fallibility of the Test team's lower order, a late rally by the inventive Jos Buttler (34 off 24) and Tim Bresnan (16 off 9) added an unbeaten 41 off the final 26 balls after Ballance departed.

AUSTRALIA'S new double-ended battering ram doesn't need much luck to bludgeon opponents, much less an England team on its knees.

So when Aaron Finch and David Warner hopped aboard the good fortune train at the MCG on Sunday night, it was lights out.

CLICK HERE FOR A FULL SCOREBOARD, STATS, PITCH MAPS AND MORE IN OUR MATCH CENTRE.

Potentially Australia's most destructive opening pair since Matt Hayden and Adam Gilchrist, the duo survived a string of dropped chances - and a catch that was overturned on dubious video "evidence" - to set up a cruisy six-wicket win.

Amazingly, Finch became the first Victorian to hit a one-day international century at the MCG, carving 121 in just 128 balls a year and a day after his debut as Australia ran down England's 7-269 with 26 balls to spare.

For a moment England thought they had the prized wicket of David Warner, only for the 3rd umpire to step in at the last moment and judge the that the ball had bounced just before it reached Buttler's gloves.

Finch, who hadn't realised he'd achieved the Victorian landmark, said it was "nice to get a good start to a series, especially at your home ground".

"It's been a place that I've loved playing over the years," he said.

"I definitely (had fortune). The way the wicket was early, it swung around a little bit early and we had to really adapt to that.

"But in a game of one-day cricket you do need a bit of luck every now and again and it was nice that it went our way.

"It was nice that I was to go on and get a big score and contribute to a big partnership with Davey Warner to really set a nice platform for the win."

Finch said batting with Warner gave him confidence to play his shots from the start.

"Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't and today was our day.

"He takes the pressure off, and the confidence he's coming into this format of the game with is phenomenal.

After dropping Gary Ballance earlier in the over, spinner Xavier Doherty's celebration when he caught him with his second chance was a little over exuberant to say the least.

"I've known Davey for the best part of 15 years now and it never gets old when you bat with him."

Coach Darren Lehmann paid tribute to Finch's early rhythm.

"He was very good … Warner probably struggled a bit early and Aaron took him along the way - it was a great opening stand and (has) set us up for the series."

Only six times in 27 previous attempts had Australia successfully chased a target in excess of 250 at the MCG, but those mostly came when fielding restrictions more heavily favoured fielding teams.

Warner had been happy to walk on 22 when Jos Buttler claimed a catch off Ben Stokes and confirmed to the batsman the ball had carried.

But with Australia already in a winning position at 0-82, a long and, to most, inconclusive video review brought him back from the ropes to resume the onslaught that eventually netted them 163 - the record ODI opening stand by Australia against England before Warner fell for 65.

Finch, the king of domestic Twenty20 cricket for the past two summers, battled initially to take that cavalier style into the one-day international arena, averaging 15 in his first seven innings.

But in his 11 hits since a breakthrough century in September, he has averaged 48.18 with two half-centuries before last night's scene-stealer that featured 12 boundaries before he fell in the 40th over.

He, too, rode a generous dose of luck, dropped on eight by Gary Ballance at mid-off before, on 24, surviving an horrendously close call on review for an LBW appeal.

In the interim, the ball after hapless English captain Alastair Cook shifted Ian Bell from second slip, Finch edged one straight through the cordon on 20.

But when he settled into stride, there was no stopping the Victorian, whose ton came up in just 108 balls.

The unlucky bowler in the midst of most of England's slipshod fielding was second-gamer Chris Jordan.

The Sussex paceman, originally from Barbados, was super impressive and eventually got his reward when he cleaned up Shane Watson for a duck in his second spell.

But the damaged was done, with skipper Michael Clarke's 43 the forerunner to George Bailey (17*) and Glenn Maxwell (8*) seeing the Aussies home.

England, dubbed by some as the "Invertebrates" after their 5-0 Test series loss, were again outhustled and outfielded.

Their Ashes-burdened top order bungled again, with only Bell (41 off 56) offering resistance against a fired-up Clint McKay (3-44).

But with the ODI team's new chums came a new resolve as Gary Ballance and Eoin Morgan carved out an 83-run fourth-wicket stand to steady the ship after Cook (4) and Joe Root (3) left it listing badly.

The effervescent Morgan was particularly impressive; the innings noticeably gathering momentum not only with his crisp ball-striking, but also his urgency and alertness between wickets.

Morgan became a surprise victim of Glenn Maxwell as he attempted to cash in on the slower bowling.

That urgency was duly acted upon by Gary Balance (79), who impressed for his first half-century in any England colours in just his second ODI.

And in stark contrast to the fallibility of the Test team's lower order, a late rally by the inventive Jos Buttler (34 off 24) and Tim Bresnan (16 off 9) added an unbeaten 41 off the final 26 balls after Ballance departed.

Pimp Sirgiorgiro Clardy, 26, is suing Nike for $US100 million ($111 million) after being convicted for brutally stomping a man while wearing a pair of Air Jordans. Picture: SuppliedSource: Supplied

A PIMP is suing Nike for $US100 million ($111 million) after being convicted for brutally stomping a man while wearing a pair of Air Jordans.

Sirgiorgiro Clardy, 26, claims the shoe manufacturer should have placed a label in the sneakers warning consumers they could be used as a dangerous weapon, Oregon Live reports.

The US man was handed a 100-year prison sentence last year for repeatedly stomping the face of a john who was trying to leave a Portland hotel without paying Clardy's prostitute in June 2012. The man required plastic surgery and stitches.

The jury also found Clardy guilty of robbing the john and beating the 18-year-old prostitute so badly that she bled from her ears.

Clardy, who is representing himself, claims that Nike, Chairman Phil Knight and other executives failed in their duty of care by not warning customers about their "dangerous" product.

"Under product liability there is a certain standard of care that is required to be up-held by potentially dangerous product ...," Clardy says in his handwritten filing.

"Do (sic) to the fact that these defendants named in this Tort claim failed to warn of risk or to provide an adequate warning or instruction it has caused personal injury in the likes of mental suffering."

During his two-week trial, a psychologist declared Clardy an anti-social psychopath who was 100 per cent likely to commit violent crimes again.

Reports at least 12 homes have been destroyed and others damaged by a fire raging through Perth's hills.

What started as a scrub fire in Jolimont came dangerously close to homes.

The fire travelling north on Alice St with Mt Helena to the east. Picture: Alan Collins/TwitterSource: Supplied

Water bomber reloads with water battling the Parkerville blaze. Picture: Kristy Goodchild/FacebookSource: Supplied

A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of property. Picture: Justin Benson-CooperSource: News Limited

A 62-YEAR-OLD man died and at least 27 homes were destroyed in a raging bushfire in Perth's Hills.

Dozens of families were evacuated to two makeshift centres overnight - many not knowing if their homes still stood.

More than 100 firefighters battled the blaze on land and by air.

Last night, the fire alert had been downgraded to a watch and act level, with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services saying the blaze was contained, but not under control.

Out of control blaze in John Forrest National Park

Facebook page set up to help fire victims

Residents wait and worry to find out about their homes

Bushfire in Baldivis

In one area of Stoneville, including Grenville Road, Ayers Road and Narla Retreat, 18 homes were reportedly lost to the flames. It was also reported that six homes along Richardson Road in Parkerville had been razed.

DFES confirmed at a community meeting in Swan View tonight that 27 homes had been destroyed. Specific streets where homes were gutted have not been revealed by officials.

But that number is expected to rise as assessments of the fire zone continue overnight and tomorrow.

The cause of the blaze is unknown. However, speculation among locals centres on a fallen power pole.

Another community meeting will be held at 10am tomorrow.

Heroic stories have started to emerge from the fire zone, with one man saving four houses by himself. When PerthNow found him he was still trying to extinguish burning stumps with a bucket of water.

Sam Inu used a bucket to fill with water and put out spot fires as he saw them.

He was using a 20L bucket and going back and forth from the neighbour's pool to put out the fires.

He told PerthNow "nothing" was going through his mind apart from saving his house.

"I just didn't want my house to burn, I wasn't going to let a fire take my house," Mr Inu said.

A family of six who lost their Stoneville home said authorities were incredibly helpful.

"We know they did everything they could have," Symone said.

Some people who tried to fight their houses couldn't because there wasn't enough water pressure.

Deborah told PerthNow the fire was "bigger than any of us thought it was going to be."

"It's unfortunate that some of us have just lost our houses," she said.

Deborah and her family have lived in Stoneville since 2008 and said she had never seen anything like this fire.

Other residents told PerthNow the wind was going in every direction as they fled their homes.

They heard of neighbours using water from spas to try and protect their homes.

Bert said he worked to save his house.

"The brigade let me in once they thought it was safe," he said.

Sawyers Valley resident Joy Smith told PerthNow how she and her husband helped evacuate collector's cars to the local oval.

She said she had heard of a son's friend - a 25-year-old first homebuyer - who was one of 18 Stoneville residents confirmed to have lost their houses today.

West Coast Waves captain Melissa Marsh tweeted that her team-mate Shani Amos had lost her family home in the fire.

At 12.51pm, St John Ambulance officers were called to a Hovea house where a man had collapsed on his roof. He had reportedly been trying to defend his home from the fire.

"St John responded to the incident but was unable to access the roof. Despite assistance from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services in getting onto the roof, the man passed away at the scene," a SJA spokesman said.

It is not known whether the man's death, which Seven News reported was a suspected heart attack, was fire-related.

A minute later, a man fell through the roof of a house in Stoneville and was taken to Royal Perth Hospital. The 52-year-old man is in a serious but stable condition.

Flames were 20m high in the unpredictable and fast-moving blaze in Parkerville, which was first reported at 11am. Unpredictable winds hampered efforts to control the blaze.

Dozens of people are waiting and wondering if their homes are still standing, as the initial emergency evacuation at Mundaring Recreation Centre reached capacity quickly.

This prompted another to be set up at Brown Park in Swan View.

Last night, the Mundaring centre was closed with everyone relocated to Brown Park.

DFES was still reviewing numbers at Brown Park, which most people were using to rest, gather themselves and get some food.

Just after 9pm tonight, the crowd at Brown Park was getting thin and it remained unclear how many people would be staying there overnight. Air mattresses and trundle beds were made available.

A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of property. Picture: Justin Benson-CooperSource: News Limited

SJA attended a small number of fire-related callouts in the Perth Hills today. Two first aid crews, a paramedic crew, and an emergency management unit vehicle have been sent to provide first aid and support in Parkerville.

At 12.17pm, St John attended to a 74-year-old man in Pickering Brook who was complaining of chest pains. The man was taken to RPH, where he was last night in a stable condition.

St John will continue to operate a first aid post from both Parkerville and also Baldivis, where another bushfire has been contained.

An area manager has been stationed at the command centre in Parkerville and a manager, metropolitan operations has been stationed in Baldivis.

Another fire has started in the John Forrest National Park, with parts of Swan View being evacuated.

Nine News reporter Kelly Williams said there was speculation that the Stoneville shops had gone up in flames.

The fire started between Jonhston Road and Granite Road, it has crossed Stoneville Road near Riley Road and is now burning towards Mount Helena and Chidlow.

A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of property. Picture: Justin Benson-CooperSource: News Limited

People in Mount Helena who live west of Alice Rd and Sawyers Rd are not safe to leave.

It is safe to leave in the northern part of Mundaring and Mt Helena.

In total, more than 350 firefighters and personnel from other agencies responded to the fire. Aerial support was provided to crews on the ground during the day and will continue at first light tomorrow if needed.

Texts and voice messages have been issued to residents in Parkerville, Stoneville and Mount Helena. The cause of the fire is unknown.

At least two firefighters have been treated for heat exhaustion.

More than 650 hectares had been burnt.

It's also believed the wind is picking up in the area. It has also been reported that waterbombers have been used to save a number of properties.

A Western Power spokeswoman said 1000 homes in the fire zone are without power and they will be waiting quite awhile to be reconnected.

DFES says the bushfire is moving fast in a north easterly direction, with burning embers likely to be blown around homes. Spot fires are starting up to 3.5km ahead of the fire.

If anyone in the Parkerville bushfire needs a place for their horses or livestock CLAN Midland Inc have yards and paddocks available in Grass Valley, east of Northam. Anyone who needs help can call 0423 091 289.

A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of property. Picture: Justin Benson-CooperSource: News Limited

Mundaring Shire president Helen Dullard told PerthNow she believed about 80 people were at the evacuation centre.

"I don't know how many homes are on fire or to what extent and I don't know how many people have chosen to stay and defend, but what I do know is that this is a very serious fire and the wind is changing and swirling all over the place and making things very difficult," she said.

Ms Dullard said there was bound to be devastated and heartbroken residents as a result of this fire, but noted that firefighters were prepared for this kind of emergency and had extensive back-up from other brigades. She said information was being broadcast on a constant basis, which was a huge help.

Ms Dullard said people had brought their pets and animals to the centre and were looking for foster carers with the Shire Pound helping as much as possible.

She said they were setting up to have people staying in emergency conditions for days, with Salvation Army volunteers on hand.

"We have got food and accommodation well taken care of, and there will be people staying overnight and not just one night,'' Ms Dullard said.

A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of propertySource: News Limited

"But we are still in an emergency stage.

"Some are finding out by friends, and because their friends' houses have gone, then theirs has gone. Some aren't sure.

"They are anxious to get home as soon as they can, but are having to wait and that is very difficult for them.''

The blaze in the hills is the worst in a horror day for WA fire authorities, who battled fires in Wanneroo, Boddington, Denmark, Gosnells, Shark Bay and a major fire in Baldivis.

The fires came after two successive days of 40-degree heat in Perth, and an oppressive heatwave in the northern part of the state all week.

This is the latest devastating blaze in WA in the past several years. In Dec 2009, 38 homes in Toodyay were destroyed by fire, while in February 2011 71 homes were lost in Roleystone and Kelmscott. In November 2011, a fire destroyed some 50 properties in Margaret River.

For updated information people can call DFES on 1300 657 209.

Reports of suspicious behaviour can be made to CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

Where to go:

The Department for Child Protection and Family Support has also set up a temporary evacuation centre at Mundaring Recreation Ground on Mundaring Weir Road.

The recreation centre is now at capacity, people are asked to go to Brown Park in Swan View on the corner of Amherst and Salisbury Roads.

What to do:

If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place.

Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.

There is ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.

The Perth Hills fire is continuing to rage, with dozens of firefighters battling the blaze and two evacuation centres set up. Picture: Justin Benson-CooperSource: News Limited

If your plan is to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.

If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home and actively defend it.

If you are not at home, it is too dangerous now to return.

Safest place:

Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.

The Department for Child Protection and Family Support has also set up a temporary evacuation centre at Brown Park in Swan View on the corner of Amherst Road and Salisbury Road.

A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of propertySource: News Limited

Road closures:

Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.

A number of roads have been closed including:

- Stoneville Road from Jarrah Road to Grenville Road

For further details contact Main Roads WA on 138 138 or visit www.mainroads.wa.gov.au

Reports at least 12 homes have been destroyed and others damaged by a fire raging through Perth's hills.

What started as a scrub fire in Jolimont came dangerously close to homes.

The fire travelling north on Alice St with Mt Helena to the east. Picture: Alan Collins/TwitterSource: Supplied

Water bomber reloads with water battling the Parkerville blaze. Picture: Kristy Goodchild/FacebookSource: Supplied

A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of property. Picture: Justin Benson-CooperSource: News Limited

A 62-YEAR-OLD man died and at least 27 homes were destroyed in a raging bushfire in Perth's Hills.

Dozens of families were evacuated to two makeshift centres overnight - many not knowing if their homes still stood.

More than 100 firefighters battled the blaze on land and by air.

Last night, the fire alert had been downgraded to a watch and act level, with the Department of Fire and Emergency Services saying the blaze was contained, but not under control.

Out of control blaze in John Forrest National Park

Facebook page set up to help fire victims

Residents wait and worry to find out about their homes

Bushfire in Baldivis

In one area of Stoneville, including Grenville Road, Ayers Road and Narla Retreat, 18 homes were reportedly lost to the flames. It was also reported that six homes along Richardson Road in Parkerville had been razed.

DFES confirmed at a community meeting in Swan View tonight that 27 homes had been destroyed. Specific streets where homes were gutted have not been revealed by officials.

But that number is expected to rise as assessments of the fire zone continue overnight and tomorrow.

The cause of the blaze is unknown. However, speculation among locals centres on a fallen power pole.

Another community meeting will be held at 10am tomorrow.

Heroic stories have started to emerge from the fire zone, with one man saving four houses by himself. When PerthNow found him he was still trying to extinguish burning stumps with a bucket of water.

Sam Inu used a bucket to fill with water and put out spot fires as he saw them.

He was using a 20L bucket and going back and forth from the neighbour's pool to put out the fires.

He told PerthNow "nothing" was going through his mind apart from saving his house.

"I just didn't want my house to burn, I wasn't going to let a fire take my house," Mr Inu said.

A family of six who lost their Stoneville home said authorities were incredibly helpful.

"We know they did everything they could have," Symone said.

Some people who tried to fight their houses couldn't because there wasn't enough water pressure.

Deborah told PerthNow the fire was "bigger than any of us thought it was going to be."

"It's unfortunate that some of us have just lost our houses," she said.

Deborah and her family have lived in Stoneville since 2008 and said she had never seen anything like this fire.

Other residents told PerthNow the wind was going in every direction as they fled their homes.

They heard of neighbours using water from spas to try and protect their homes.

Bert said he worked to save his house.

"The brigade let me in once they thought it was safe," he said.

Sawyers Valley resident Joy Smith told PerthNow how she and her husband helped evacuate collector's cars to the local oval.

She said she had heard of a son's friend - a 25-year-old first homebuyer - who was one of 18 Stoneville residents confirmed to have lost their houses today.

West Coast Waves captain Melissa Marsh tweeted that her team-mate Shani Amos had lost her family home in the fire.

At 12.51pm, St John Ambulance officers were called to a Hovea house where a man had collapsed on his roof. He had reportedly been trying to defend his home from the fire.

"St John responded to the incident but was unable to access the roof. Despite assistance from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services in getting onto the roof, the man passed away at the scene," a SJA spokesman said.

It is not known whether the man's death, which Seven News reported was a suspected heart attack, was fire-related.

A minute later, a man fell through the roof of a house in Stoneville and was taken to Royal Perth Hospital. The 52-year-old man is in a serious but stable condition.

Flames were 20m high in the unpredictable and fast-moving blaze in Parkerville, which was first reported at 11am. Unpredictable winds hampered efforts to control the blaze.

Dozens of people are waiting and wondering if their homes are still standing, as the initial emergency evacuation at Mundaring Recreation Centre reached capacity quickly.

This prompted another to be set up at Brown Park in Swan View.

Last night, the Mundaring centre was closed with everyone relocated to Brown Park.

DFES was still reviewing numbers at Brown Park, which most people were using to rest, gather themselves and get some food.

Just after 9pm tonight, the crowd at Brown Park was getting thin and it remained unclear how many people would be staying there overnight. Air mattresses and trundle beds were made available.

A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of property. Picture: Justin Benson-CooperSource: News Limited

SJA attended a small number of fire-related callouts in the Perth Hills today. Two first aid crews, a paramedic crew, and an emergency management unit vehicle have been sent to provide first aid and support in Parkerville.

At 12.17pm, St John attended to a 74-year-old man in Pickering Brook who was complaining of chest pains. The man was taken to RPH, where he was last night in a stable condition.

St John will continue to operate a first aid post from both Parkerville and also Baldivis, where another bushfire has been contained.

An area manager has been stationed at the command centre in Parkerville and a manager, metropolitan operations has been stationed in Baldivis.

Another fire has started in the John Forrest National Park, with parts of Swan View being evacuated.

Nine News reporter Kelly Williams said there was speculation that the Stoneville shops had gone up in flames.

The fire started between Jonhston Road and Granite Road, it has crossed Stoneville Road near Riley Road and is now burning towards Mount Helena and Chidlow.

A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of property. Picture: Justin Benson-CooperSource: News Limited

People in Mount Helena who live west of Alice Rd and Sawyers Rd are not safe to leave.

It is safe to leave in the northern part of Mundaring and Mt Helena.

In total, more than 350 firefighters and personnel from other agencies responded to the fire. Aerial support was provided to crews on the ground during the day and will continue at first light tomorrow if needed.

Texts and voice messages have been issued to residents in Parkerville, Stoneville and Mount Helena. The cause of the fire is unknown.

At least two firefighters have been treated for heat exhaustion.

More than 650 hectares had been burnt.

It's also believed the wind is picking up in the area. It has also been reported that waterbombers have been used to save a number of properties.

A Western Power spokeswoman said 1000 homes in the fire zone are without power and they will be waiting quite awhile to be reconnected.

DFES says the bushfire is moving fast in a north easterly direction, with burning embers likely to be blown around homes. Spot fires are starting up to 3.5km ahead of the fire.

If anyone in the Parkerville bushfire needs a place for their horses or livestock CLAN Midland Inc have yards and paddocks available in Grass Valley, east of Northam. Anyone who needs help can call 0423 091 289.

A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of property. Picture: Justin Benson-CooperSource: News Limited

Mundaring Shire president Helen Dullard told PerthNow she believed about 80 people were at the evacuation centre.

"I don't know how many homes are on fire or to what extent and I don't know how many people have chosen to stay and defend, but what I do know is that this is a very serious fire and the wind is changing and swirling all over the place and making things very difficult," she said.

Ms Dullard said there was bound to be devastated and heartbroken residents as a result of this fire, but noted that firefighters were prepared for this kind of emergency and had extensive back-up from other brigades. She said information was being broadcast on a constant basis, which was a huge help.

Ms Dullard said people had brought their pets and animals to the centre and were looking for foster carers with the Shire Pound helping as much as possible.

She said they were setting up to have people staying in emergency conditions for days, with Salvation Army volunteers on hand.

"We have got food and accommodation well taken care of, and there will be people staying overnight and not just one night,'' Ms Dullard said.

A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of propertySource: News Limited

"But we are still in an emergency stage.

"Some are finding out by friends, and because their friends' houses have gone, then theirs has gone. Some aren't sure.

"They are anxious to get home as soon as they can, but are having to wait and that is very difficult for them.''

The blaze in the hills is the worst in a horror day for WA fire authorities, who battled fires in Wanneroo, Boddington, Denmark, Gosnells, Shark Bay and a major fire in Baldivis.

The fires came after two successive days of 40-degree heat in Perth, and an oppressive heatwave in the northern part of the state all week.

This is the latest devastating blaze in WA in the past several years. In Dec 2009, 38 homes in Toodyay were destroyed by fire, while in February 2011 71 homes were lost in Roleystone and Kelmscott. In November 2011, a fire destroyed some 50 properties in Margaret River.

For updated information people can call DFES on 1300 657 209.

Reports of suspicious behaviour can be made to CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

Where to go:

The Department for Child Protection and Family Support has also set up a temporary evacuation centre at Mundaring Recreation Ground on Mundaring Weir Road.

The recreation centre is now at capacity, people are asked to go to Brown Park in Swan View on the corner of Amherst and Salisbury Roads.

What to do:

If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place.

Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.

There is ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.

The Perth Hills fire is continuing to rage, with dozens of firefighters battling the blaze and two evacuation centres set up. Picture: Justin Benson-CooperSource: News Limited

If your plan is to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.

If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home and actively defend it.

If you are not at home, it is too dangerous now to return.

Safest place:

Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.

The Department for Child Protection and Family Support has also set up a temporary evacuation centre at Brown Park in Swan View on the corner of Amherst Road and Salisbury Road.

A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of propertySource: News Limited

Road closures:

Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.

A number of roads have been closed including:

- Stoneville Road from Jarrah Road to Grenville Road

For further details contact Main Roads WA on 138 138 or visit www.mainroads.wa.gov.au